How To Spend 24 Hours In Paris Like A Local

Posted on: 10th March 2016

Also called the City of Love, and the City of Light, Paris goes by many names. This decadent, delightful city is full of culture, history, and things to do. But how to fit it all in? Here's how to spend 24 hours in Paris like a local!

9am

What better way to begin your morning than tasting the Parisian café lifestyle? Have a coffee and a croissant at a charming venue like Le Petit Suisse. It's a tiny ancient café with a view over the Jardin du Luxembourg. If you’re really in the mood for fitness, you can join the early morning joggers for a tour of the beautiful park.

10.30am

It wouldn't be a trip to Paris without viewing some glorious artworks. Bordering the Seine on quai Anatole-France, the stately converted train station Musée d’Orsay is home to a greatest hits of Impressionist painting; an art movement so quintessential to Paris. Van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne, this gorgeous gallery houses them all!

1pm

After feasting your eyes on art, it's time for a lovely lunchtime feast! Paris has a multitude of bars and restaurants to choose from. For a truly French experience, head to Chez L'Ami Jean at 27 rue Malar. You'll enjoy a quaint Parisian atmosphere, and French-style veal, cod, and ratatouille. Delicious!

2pm

For some serious history, head to the Place de la Bastille, a square in which the Bastille prison once stood. The prison was destroyed in the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, and not a scrap of it remains. Afterwards, head westwards along rue St-Antoine to explore the Marais. Most of the 17th-century architecture remains intact in a delightful combination of fine mansions, laid-back cafés and trendy boutiques.

3.30pm

The best way to explore Paris is on foot. Wander down to the beautiful arcades of Place des Vosges. The oldest planned square in Paris (and one of the finest); its numerous famous former residents include Victor Hugo, whose apartment can be visited at No. 6 (Tue-Sun 10am-6pm; admission free).

5pm

Continue strolling along rue des Francs-Bourgeois, then detour up rue Vieille-du-Temple and rue de Sévigné. If you’re still up for museums, pay a visit to Musée Carnavalet for a snapshot of Paris history, with its memorabilia of the French Revolution. Vive la France!

6.30pm

After a busy day of wandering around, sampling the city, relax over an aperitif at laid-back Marais café Le Progrès. This is a classic corner café-tabac, which draws an arty Marais crowd. You can also sample a modern mezcal cocktail in the trendy Candelaria, if you're in the mood for a little buzz!

8.30pm

When in Paris, a full Parisian dinner is essential to the experience. Check out Le Coq Rico, which translates to 'The Fine Rooster', perched high atop the Montmartre butte. This restaurant is unique because of its extraordinary service of chicken.

Your meal begins with an boiled egg and soldiers, followed by selection of starters. These are the constituent parts of a bird, including slow-cooked gizzards, fried wings and spiced hearts. The main course is two succulent roast chickens, which do full justice to the restaurant's name. Finish your meal with a chocolate mille-feuille, a helping of Grand Marnier ice cream and an orange salad. Decadent to say the least!

Midnight

After a long day of strolling, sightseeing, and eating and drinking a la France, it's time to head back home. Exhausted but happy, you're already raring to go for the next day. Just make sure you get a good night's sleep first!